The Rotary Club of Salem, Va. announced that Salem State senior women’s basketball player Rachael Carter has been selected as one of the 10 finalists for the prestigious Jostens Trophy. The Jostens Trophy is a national award created by the Rotary Club of Salem, Va., to honor the most outstanding men's and women's NCAA Division III basketball players of the year. The award takes into account three vital parts: basketball ability, academic prowess and community service. The trophy models the Rotary International motto of "Service Above Self" by recognizing those who truly fit the ideal of the well-rounded NCAA Division III student-athlete. This year's class marks the 18th year the award has been presented.
Carter, a member of the All-Massachusetts State Collegiate Athletic Conference First Team, concluded her career as Salem State’s second all-time leading scorer with 1,719 points. She was a four-time MASCAC Player of the Week honoree, a two-time New England Women’s Basketball Player of the Week, and an ECAC Co-Player of the Week selection. The Merrimack, N.H. native led the conference in scoring with 19.4 points per game and was second in the league in rebounding with 10.9 boards per game while leading the MASCAC with 17 double-doubles.
A nursing major with a 3.40 GPA, Carter has participated in many community service activities throughout her career. A volunteer with Special Olympics, she has assisted with the planning and implementation of basketball drills during a half day sports clinic, and served as a “buddy” to a Special Olympics athlete for a day. She is also a volunteer referee and coach for Salem State’s annual Special Olympics basketball tournament. Additionally, Carter has served as a mentor with Girls Inc. of Lynn and volunteered with the annual National Girls and Women in Sports Day event held each February.
The awards presentation is scheduled for Thursday, March 19 at the Salem Civic Center in conjunction with the NCAA Division III men's basketball semifinals and championship in Salem, Va., on March 20-21.
